Sefton Council's ‘silly policy’ of not signposting areas without parking is hampering businesses in Wesley Street.

Dukes Ward Councillor John Pugh criticised the action saying: “No-one has done more in Southport to buck the downturn in retail than the traders of Wesley Street with their gaily painted shops and mini-festivals, but they have struggled to gain support from the Council.

“Advertised as the Village in the Town, they feature on Trip Advisor and on the Visit Southport website – but often, out-of-town visitors can’t find them because they are hidden away.

“Repeated requests for brown direction signs have been turned down because its not Sefton’s policy to signpost places without parking. This is very frustrating and ludicrous.

“There are car parks galore next to Wesley Street. However, the real disappointing aspect is that these traders have done more than any other group to pull themselves up by their own bootstraps and are asking for so little from the council.”

Sefton Council responded: “Wesley Street is a fantastic area of Southport and this is reflected in our continued promotion of the ‘village.’

“In recent months Wesley Street has featured on Sefton Council’s official Instagram page, our MySefton good news website and on our social media channels to advertise the marvellous array of businesses on the popular street.

“Wesley Street will also be highlighted as one of many areas visitors should experience as part of their trip to our beautiful borough. The VisitSouthport website also has an entire webpage dedicated to advertising Wesley Street.

“While we do not signpost areas without parking, we will continue to promote all aspects of our beautiful borough with continued success.”

Hugh Evans from the Southport BID added: “We’ll be raising the issue of signage and the need for a new approach to wayfinding around town at our next meeting with senior officers from the Council.

“Many of our independent businesses are located in our side streets and arcades and we need to be able to direct visitors to them in a consistent manner. It is an issue we have raised consistently and something that needs addressing town centre wide.”